BACKGROUNDCutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence
worldwide. The southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina has one of the highest
incidence rates of melanoma in the country.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the epidemiological profile of melanoma patients in a southern city of
Brazil.METHODSa cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, aiming to detect the clinical
and histopathological characteristics of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the city
of Brusque - SC, between 1999 and 2013.RESULTSA total of 213 cases in 212 individuals were studied. More than 50% of the
patients were females (p< 0.05). The trunk was the most commonly affected site
(p< 0.05), followed by the upper limbs. Nodular and superficial spreading
melanomas were the most commonly detected in histological analyses. They did not
differ statistically in frequency, but were more prevalent than other
histopathological subtypes (p< 0.05). There was no statistically significant
difference between invasive and noninvasive melanomas (p= 0.2441). Among the
invasive melanomas, those with Breslow thicknesses < 1 mm and between 1-2mm
were more prevalent (p< 0.05).CONCLUSIONSIn this study we found a higher frequency of melanomas in female patients and
patients aged over 51. The trunk was the most commonly affected site. Nodular and
superficial spreading melanomas prevailed. Among invasive melanomas, those with
Breslow thicknesses < 2 mm were the most frequent. This paper highlights the
epidemiological profile of melanoma patients in the city and may help to identify
and aid in the follow-up of those who are most likely to present the disease.
BACKGROUNDLeprosy is an infectious disease that may lead to irreversible nerve damage,
compromising patient's quality of life and leading to loss of working years.OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients followed at a University
Hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a retrospective observational study, based on a review of medical records.
We studied the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with leprosy
monitored at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of
Paraná between January 2005 and January 2010.RESULTSThe mean age was 47.51, while 35.94% of patients were aged 41-60. The male:female
rate was 1.8:1. The most prevalent occupations were: retired, students or rural
workers. Patients came mainly from Curitiba or nearby areas, but there were also
patients from the countryside. The mean diagnostic delay was 24.57 months.
Multibacillary forms prevailed, with the lepromatous variety being the most
common, closely followed by the borderline type. Neural enlargement was found in
more than 50% of the patients and 48.44% of them developed reactional states.
Hemolysis was the most commonly detected drug side effect. Initial functional
evaluation was possible in 70% of patients, 55% of whom had disabilities upon
diagnosis. The most prevalent associated disease was hypertension.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed an important diagnostic delay and a high rate of sequelae in
this specific population. Brazil is one of the few remaining countries that has
not yet eradicated leprosy and it is important to improve health policies in order
to prevent sequelae and achieve eradication.
Lymphangiomatosis, a rare diseases of controversial origin, occurs in individuals of any age, regardless of gender, but is predominantly seen in younger individuals. It often presents with thoracic involvement, although, the bones, spleen and liver can also be affected. Histologically, the pulmonary involvement includes proliferation, complex anastomoses and secondary dilatation of the lymphatic vessels. Clinically, the presentation is variable. Although radiographic findings can be suggestive of the disease, the final diagnosis is made histologically. We report two cases of lymphangiomatosis, both in females: one was oligosymptomatic and is being treated for the disease; the other had a more progressive form, was diagnosed quite late and ultimately died of the disease.
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